Clos Henri
Otira Sauvignon Blanc
2021
About this winery
A journey born millions ago and honed by 10 generations of winemakers, Clos Henri is home to extraordinary, organic Marlborough wines. Nestled in the foothills of the Wairau Valley, carved by powerful glacial and tectonic forces, the Clos Henri Estate sits upon some of the Marlborough’s most fascinating soils. Headed by members of the famous winegrowing family of Henri Bourgeois, from Sancerre, France, the Estate has been meticulously cared for since its establishment in 2000. Drawing on over...
See the Clos Henri detail page for more information on this brand
Product notes
Clos Henri Otira Sauvignon Blanc takes its name from the ancient ice age that formed this exceptional terroir of Glacial Stones of Otira. Otira is the purest expression of its site. The age of the vines is between 13 and 18 years old.
Production notes
The fermentation took place in 85% stainless steel and 10% old French oak barrels. The wine was then aged on fine lees for 8 months with stirring on the lees, to obtain a round Sauvignon Blanc with body and mouthfeel. An additional aging of 6 months in vats and barrels is used.
Tasting notes
Notes of ripe peaches and candied citrus are superimposed on a subtle approach of elderflower. Intensely rich, yet balanced, the palate offers weight and texture with good mineral tension. Pairings with pan-fried scallops and salmon.
Press reviews
- 93 points -
James Suckling, January 2023 (Vintage 2021)Lemons, white pears, jasmine, chalk and biscuits on the nose, with a touch of smoked almonds. It's creamy, layered and mineral, with a medium body. Seamless and elegant. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.
See detailed press review
17,5 / 20 Points
January 2023 (Vintage 2021)"This is a completely new cuvée and part of their range redesign. Winemaker Damien Yvon says, 'the concept is not that different from the Estate bottling but it's fruit from a single soil type, the stony soils on a glacial not alluvial base'. (He's a geology nut.) They are looking for soil expression. 'For us stony soils are most important with the deeper roots driving the minerality and tension that the Bourgeois family love.' 15% in oak. No skin contact. No malo. This seems to have the transparency of Sancerre. Really fresh and sophisticated. Bone-dry end
See detailed press review